NASHVILLE, TN — How does Nashville show its love to its public school teachers? It lights up the city red and pink and launches the largest educator discount program in the Southeast!

Through its second annual Show Your Love for Teachers campaign, the Nashville Public Education Foundation, joined by the Mayor’s Office and Metro Nashville Public Schools, announced today that more than 140 businesses are now providing discounts as part of this citywide effort to recognize and reward Nashville’s 6,800 public school educators. This marks a sevenfold increase from 2016’s participation.

“There is nothing more important to helping our schools succeed than recruiting, retaining and supporting great teachers,” said Dr. Shawn Joseph, director of schools. “At MNPS, we want to show our support for educators in a very intentional way, and our amazing teachers must feel valued by the community. Our new strategic plan is focused on efforts designed to strengthen and improve our schools. But, the heart and soul of Nashville’s ability to succeed in becoming the fastest-improving district in the country rests with keeping and growing the nation’s best teacher workforce.”

Businesses of all sizes and areas of the county have joined together to show their love and appreciation for teachers, including retail stores, coffee shops, restaurants, Nashville attractions, yoga studios, apartment complexes and many more. To see the list of participating businesses, visit nashvillepef.org/show-your-love.

May is just the start of this campaign – a majority of the discounts will last throughout the year, and range from 5 percent to 50 percent off services, plus free admission at several venues. The NPEF will continue to grow the discount program and maintain a comprehensive list on its website as a resource.

“Recognizing and rewarding great teaching is one of the Foundation’s top priorities,” said Shannon Hunt, NPEF president and CEO. “Without great teachers, nothing else we want for our public schools is possible. Show Your Love is all about coming together as a city to celebrate dedicated public school teachers and begin to more intentionally show that our city values the contributions they make every day to the future of our city.”

To kick off the month, the Metro Council passed a resolution at its April 18 meeting declaring the week of May 1–5 “Show Your Love for Teachers Kick-off Week” in Nashville. Mayor Megan Barry also signed a proclamation honoring the week.

Another way the city is honoring educators is by lighting the city pink and red on Monday, May 1, to support public school educators. Landmarks include the Adventure Science Center, Ascend Amphitheater, the AT&T building, Bridgestone Arena, Hotel Indigo, Korean War Veterans Memorial Bridge, the Metro Historic Courthouse, Nissan Stadium, Omni Nashville Hotel, and The Parthenon.

“I hope every teacher sees our city shining pink and red and knows that is for them,” Mayor Barry said. “We are proud to join the Nashville Public Education Foundation in this special effort recognizing Nashville’s teachers and all they do every day for our city’s children. I know their job is one of the hardest there is, and they deserve our support and gratitude. A simple thank-you can go a long way, so please take a moment and show your love.”

There are a variety of ways for parents, students, and neighborhood and community leaders to get involved and show their love for teachers:

• Sign the NPEF’s virtual thank-you card for Nashville’s 6,800-plus public school educators

• Offer a teacher discount if you are a local business owner or manager

• Share the discount program information with the local teachers in your life

To see the list of local businesses offering educator discounts and to sign the virtual thank-you card, visit nashvillepef.org/show-your-love.

The NPEF is hopeful this initial list of discounts and contributions will grow over the coming months. Business owners interested in participating can contact showyourlove@mpf.com or call 615-313-8380.

Show Your Love is part of a multifaceted effort supported by the NPEF to recognize, reward and cultivate teacher talent and principal leadership across the city. That work includes efforts to help the district strengthen its recruitment efforts, supporting recognition programs for high-performing teachers, such as the Blue Ribbon Teacher Award, improving teacher retention initiatives, supporting improved teacher development and professional growth, increasing teacher voices, and more.

The Nashville Public Education Foundation is a nonprofit organization committed to pulling together the vast intellectual, creative and financial resources of the Nashville community to create a shared vision of the city’s education system and provide the needed targeted resources to make it a reality.

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